What happened
On 22 July 2015, a Reims Cessna FA152 Aerobat, registration G-FLIP, was involved in an accident at Rochester Airport, Kent, during a training flight. The flight was being conducted by a student pilot with 15 hours of total flying experience. Prior to the incident, the student had completed five circuits under the supervision of an instructor, using Runway 20.
Following the fifth circuit, the instructor provided a briefing to prepare the student for their first solo circuit. The weather conditions at the time involved winds from 240º at 15 knots. The student pilot initiated the solo circuit and proceeded with an approach to Runway 20, which was perceived as normal. However, during the landing phase, the aircraft bounced to a height of roughly three feet while maintaining a level attitude. Upon the second touchdown, the nose landing gear failed, causing the aircraft to skid along the runway on its nose and left wing. There were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
Investigators examined the sequence of the landing and the mechanical state of the aircraft. The investigation established that the aircraft's nose leg collapsed immediately following the second contact with the runway. The impact resulted in a shock-load to the engine and damage to the left wing of the Reims Cessna FA152 Aerobat.
Findings
- The accident was caused by a nose landing gear collapse following an aircraft bounce during touchdown.
- The student pilot was performing their first solo circuit.
- The aircraft sustained damage to the left wing and the engine was subject to shock-loading.